National championship score: Michigan completely overpowers Washington to capture first title since 1997

The Wolverines dominated the Huskies up front to win their first national championship in 26 years

No. 1 Michigan dominated No. 2 Washington on the ground in the first quarter and allowed itself to be contained for half the game before finishing the fourth quarter exactly as it started the game. The Wolverines piled up a history-making 303 yards rushing while obliterating the Huskies on both lines of scrimmage in a 34-13 victory to capture the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship in Houston and bring a ring back to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the first time since 1997.

Running back Blake Corum led the way for the maize & blue with 134 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 21 touches, but it was Donovan Edwards -- barely contributing all season while dealing with injuries -- who broke loose for two first-quarter touchdowns and totaled 104 yards on six carries. Michigan's 303 yards rushing were not only more than Washington's total yardage in the game (301), it was the most yards on the ground by a national title winner in the BCS/CFP era (since 1998).

Corum and Edwards became the first teammates to each rush for 100+ yards in a national championship since Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon of Alabama in the 2013 BCS Championship Game and the first duo to also rush for two touchdowns each since Mark Ingram II and Trent Richardson of Alabama in the 2010 BCS title game. Meanwhile, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy compiled the fewest yards passing by a winning signal caller (140) since Greg McElroy's 58 yards for the Crimson Tide in that 2010 BCS title game.

For Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, hoisting the CFP trophy Monday night was a feather in the cap of the ultimate Michigan Man who carried on many tenets injected into the program by his former coach, the legendary Bo Schembechler. Harbaugh, who struggled to beat Ohio State across his first six seasons at Michigan, has now taken down his program's arch rival in three straight seasons, winning as many Big Ten Championship Games and now a national title.

Monday night also concludes a controversy-filled season in which Harbaugh spent six games away from Michigan while serving three-game suspensions that bookended the campaign, one instituted by U-M amid potential NCAA violations and another handed down by the Big Ten amid allegations of improper sign stealing.

A week after surviving an overtime battle against No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl for its first CFP semifinal victory in three tries, Michigan was pushed again Monday night. Washington rallied from an early 17-3 deficit and had the ball with a chance to tie the game early in the fourth quarter. However, after a defensive stand, the Wolverines marched 71 yards on just five plays with Corum's second score, a 12-yard run, pushing Michigan ahead 27-13 with 7:09 remaining.

Washington's top-ranked passing offense struggled to gain traction as Michigan's top-ranked defense proved to be the superior unit. Huskies star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was intercepted twice with the second a game-sealing pick and 81-yard return from cornerback Mike Sainristil with 3:37 remaining. Corum put the finishing touches on Michigan's title win with a 7-yard touchdown run two plays later.

Penix, the runner up in 2023 Heisman Trophy voting, finished 27-of-51 passing for 255 yards in his final college game after leading the Huskies to 21 straight victories over the past two seasons. His pinpoint accuracy and electric play fueled Washington all year, but Penix and his star-studded pass catchers were off their games Monday night with the quarterback sailing passes and his wide receivers dropping multiple balls in key situations.

• Michigan won its first national championship since 1997 (split with Nebraska) and first undisputed crown of the modern era
• This is the Wolverines' 10th national title in program history
• Michigan became the first No. 1 seed to beat a No. 2 seed in the CFP National Championship (1-3)
• U-M is the second Big Ten team to win a CFP (Ohio State, 2014)
• The Wolverines are the first Big Ten team to win 15+ games since the University of Chicago in 1899
• McCarthy is now 27-1 in his career as a starter (third-best winning percentage as starting QB in FBS history)
• Michigan is 40-3 over the last three seasons after going 2-4 in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 campaign
• Washington's 21-game winning streak was snapped; it was the longest active streak in the FBS
• Corum rushed for a touchdown in all 15 games this season

Keep on reading for takeaways from Michigan's win over Washington in the 2024 CFP National Championship.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 11:53 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan ends an era on top

A historically dominant season for Michigan on the field brought off-field trials as Harbaugh served two suspensions that kept him off the sideline for a total of six games. But even amid a sign-stealing scandal that marred the program during season, the Wolverines never cracked. Monday night mirrored Michigan's entire season. The Wolverines absolutely dominated in the beginning of this season and start of this game. Then came some struggles and distractions before a strong finish that left no doubt of their dominance as college football enters a new era.

Tuesday's matchup was a showdown between future Big Ten foes. Washington hosts Michigan on Oct. 5, 2024, in a battle of two teams that will look dramatically different. The Huskies are one of several teams on the move to new leagues as conference consolidation takes effect following the Pac-12's collapse. In addition to those changes, next season brings the CFP's expansion to 12 teams.

Considering all the key personnel Michigan is losing and all the change occurring college football, Monday night truly marked end of an era. And the Wolverines are leaving it in style.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 11:46 pm ET · David Cobb]

Using the convoy to perfection

As usual, Blake Corum handled the bulk of the running load for Michigan with 21 carries, but he got some help from a convoy as the Wolverines flexed their might on the ground. Donvoan Edwards surpassed 100 yards for the first time this year after undergoing an offseason surgery following a breakout 2022 campaign. The Wolverines didn't stop there. Senior running back Kalel Mullings entered with 33 carries on the season but played a key role on the opening drive while the Wolverines set the tone with a touchdown. Michigan handed it to him twice, and he picked up 18 yards. Included was a 14-yard run into Washington territory. Reserve quarterback Alex Orji also picked up 15 yards on two carries while entering as a change-of-pace under center in the second quarter.

Michigan dominated Washington up front on both sides of the ball, but the record-setting rushing attack is why it won this game.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 11:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Washington's missed opportunities piled up

Washington trailed just 20-13 and held the momentum when it took over at its own 26-yard line midway through the third quarter. The Huskies promptly rattled off a first down before winding up in a third-and-long. Star wide receiver Rome Odunze gained a bit of separation down the right sideline, but Michael Penix Jr. narrowly overthrew him, leading to another deflating incompletion. A similar scenario played out during a key junction in the second quarter with Washington trailing 17-3. Facing a fourth-and-7 at Michigan's 47-yard line, the Huskies took a risk by going for it. The play call worked perfectly as Odunze broke open down the field, but Penix barely overshot him, depriving Washington of a potential game-changing offensive splash and returning the football to the Wolverines in excellent field position.

Washington led the nation in passing offense because of Penix's ability to find receivers in stride for huge gains. But the explosive gains that sustained the Huskies throughout a dream season were too rare against the Wolverines. 

[Jan 8, 2024 at 11:28 pm ET · David Cobb]

Hobbled star crushed the Huskies

Washington running back Dillon Johnson injured his left leg late in the Sugar Bowl semifinal win over No. 3 Texas. He played against Michigan anyway, but his left leg was heavily wrapped, and then he was further hobbled on the first play. Johnson told reporters he suffered a high ankle sprain on the play. Nevertheless, he stayed in the game, finishing with 33 yards rushing on 11 carries. Depth at running back was not a strength for the Huskies this season, and that shortcoming was on display as DeBoer seemed hesitant to trust anyone aside from the hobbled Johnson.

The issue rose to the game's forefront early in the fourth quarter when Michael Penix Jr. hit reserve RB Will Nixon in the hands on a third-and-4 play with Washington trailing 20-13. Had Nixon corralled the football, he had enough room to move the chains. But he dropped the pass, leading to a Washington punt.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 11:11 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan returns to the top

Final: Michigan 34, Washington 13

After 26 years, Michigan is back on top of college football. The Wolverines dominated the first and fourth quarters to stand as college football's national champion for the first time since 1997. Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards each surpassed 100 yards and scored two touchdowns apiece to pace the Wolverines, who jumped out to an early 17-3 lead. Washington had a chance to tie the game early in the fourth quarter but couldn't find a rhythm against Michigan's top-ranked defense. Corum sealed it with a pair of touchdown runs over the final 7:09. Washington amassed just 301 total yards as star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was intercepted twice and regularly made uncomfortable by Michigan's pass rush.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 10:59 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

That should do it

Q4: Michigan 34, Washington 13

Washington finally hit the big play as Michael Penix Jr. connected with Rome Odunze for a 44-yard gain to get into Michigan territory, but nothing good happened after that. Facing a fourth-and-16, Penix looked Odunze's way again, but his throw sailed -- as it so often did Monday night -- and got picked off by Mike Sainristril, who returned it all the way to the Washington 5-yard line. Two plays later Blake Corum crashed into the end zone for his second score. Michigan is about to win its first national title since 1997.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 10:47 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Blake Corum delivers possible dagger

Q4: Michigan 27, Washington 13

Are we watching the Rose Bowl again? Michigan's offense went into hibernation for 2.5 quarters only to suddenly wakes up halfway through the fourth quarter like, "Oh yeah, there's a national championship on the line!" J.J. McCarthy hit Colston Loveland for a big gain on first down, followed it up with another nice toss to Roman Wilson, and Blake Corum finished Michigan's latest drive with a 12-yard touchdown run.

It was a five-play, 71-yard set to make it 27-13 Wolverines with 7:09 to play. Can Washington, which has scored 13 points in the game, manage to erase a 14-point deficit in half a quarter? It doesn't have any other choice.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 10:36 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

What an odd game ...

Michigan has two 100-yard rushers tonight in Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. The Wolverines have not turned the ball over. Washington is averaging only 4.2 yards per play and hasn't completed a pass over 16 yards. And somehow, Michigan is only up 7 points in the fourth quarter.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 10:23 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

End 3Q: Michigan 20, Washington 13

The third quarter ended the way it began with Michigan holding a 7-point lead and Washington with possession. The Huskies will hope it doesn't start with an interception this time.

Both defenses have settled into this game. What looked like a Michigan blowout victory in the first quarter has turned into a defensive chess match as both front sevens are confusing the opposing offensive lines, forcing quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy to make quick decisions. Neither has done a great job.

McCarthy is only 8 of 15 for 87 yards, while Penix is 19 of 33 for 182 yards; the latter has been missing a lot more throws this week than he did against Texas -- nearly all of them high.

Still, it's the fourth quarter of the national championship, and it's a one-score game. What more could you want?!

[Jan 8, 2024 at 10:20 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

J.J. McCarthy starts using his legs

Michigan's first third-down conversion of the game came courtesy of McCarthy. Facing another third-and-long, McCarthy recognized that Washington was in cover 2, checked a QB draw and picked up 30 yards to get out of the shadow of the end zone. He added another 12 yards with a sweep on the next play, but the drive stalled there. Michigan had to punt again, but at least it flipped field position.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 10:13 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

We're trading punts!

Third downs have not been kind to either offense. Michigan has started 0 of 6 on the money down, but it's not as if Washington is doing much better. A false start penalty put the Huskies created third-and-15, and Michael Penix Jr.'s throw down the sideline to Rome Odunze was impossible to catch, though Odunze tried his best. The Huskies are now 2 of 9 on third downs.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 9:59 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Washington answers in kind with field goal

Q3: Michigan 20, Washington 13

Thanks to a few quick completions, yards after the catch, and an unnecessary roughness penalty on Michigan, the Huskies were able to move the ball into Wolverines territory to set up a 45-yard field goal. It was a seven-play, 47-yard drive, though it did not go as far as the No. 2 team needed.

Getting points is great, but the explosive plays Washington has relied on all season still aren't there. Michigan is forcing Washington to put together long drives, and to this point, Washington hasn't been able to do so. Even the touchdown at the end of the first half was aided by a pass interference on the Wolverines.

Michael Penix Jr. is a home-run hitter, and the Wolverines are forcing him to bunt runners over. The Huskies are only averaging only 4.4 yards per play.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 9:48 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michael Penix Jr. is not 100%

Something to watch moving forward will be whether the right foot of Washington star Michael Penix Jr. causes him any problems over the duration of the contest. The Huskies signal caller was stepped on while releasing the second half-opening interception, and he got it looked at on the sideline. Washington is already dealing with running back Dillon Johnson being less clearly banged up, and it cannot afford to have Penix hobbled as well if the Huskies are going to mount a comeback.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 9:43 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Washington mitigates disaster to open second half

Q3: Michigan 20, Washington 10

Washington opened the second half with the ball just a touchdown away from tying Michigan. Just one play from scrimmage later, Michael Penix Jr. made his biggest mistake of the game as he stepped up in a collapsing pocket and got his pass tipped with a wounded duck picked off in an incredibly athletic grab by Michigan's Will Johnson.  

It looked like utter disaster for the Huskies -- giving the Wolverines a short field just seconds into the second half -- but their defense came up big, using movement on the line of scrimmage to draw two false starts. Washington batted down a pass on second-and-long and stopped Michigan on third down, holding it to a field goal. Yet another chance for Michigan to twist the knife went by.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 9:39 pm ET · David Cobb]

Keys to the second half

Washington running back Dillon Johnson's injury continues to be a major storyline. The Huskies' leading rusher is gutting through obvious pain and does not appear to be nearly 100%. However, the options behind him are unproven and perhaps not entirely trusted by coach Kalen DeBoer in such a big spot. His health and effectiveness will be something to monitor.

Michigan, meanwhile, needs to rely even more on its running game. The Wolverines averaged 12.3 yards a pop in the first half with Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum each surpassing 80 yards and breaking off runs of 45+ yards. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is just 5-of-11 passing, which is a credit to Washington's defense. But the Huskies haven't shown the ability to consistently stop the run.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 9:37 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

First half takeaways from Houston

• The Wolverines had a major opportunity to pull away, but poor decision making from Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore has kept the Huskies within striking distance. Instead of leaning on a running game that averaged 12.3 yards per carry, Michigan put the ball in J.J. McCarthy's hands on three key plays -- including a fourth-and-3 -- to give Washington quality field position. Now, Huskies gets the ball to start the second half with a chance to tie the game. 
• Washington's Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line is seeing ghosts. Michigan is winning some key matchups, but defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is eating the Huskies' lunch using simulated pressure and varying coverages. On one key sequence, the Michigan defensive line set up wide and attacked from completely unique angles, confusing the Washington offensive line. The Huskies have only allowed one sack, but Michigan is getting far closer to Michael Penix Jr. than Texas did last week.
• Michigan running back Donovan Edwards had a miserable season after recovering from offseason surgery, but his explosiveness has been the difference against Washington. Edwards set a record with 84 yards rushing, the most by a player in the first quarter of a national title game. Since then, he has only one carry for 9 yards. Expect more Edwards sprinkled into the game plan. 
• Penix has not matched his unbelievable play against Texas, missing handful of key plays that swung the first half. Penix had a tight window to Rome Odunze in the end zone on third down but missed wide. One drive later, he had Odunze again on a potential touchdown but led him long. Penix started to find his rhythm in the second half, mixing in a handful of intermediate passes to tight end Jack Westover, but the first half Penix is not good enough to win the national championship. 

[Jan 8, 2024 at 9:20 pm ET · David Cobb]

HALF: Michigan 17, Washington 10

Washington linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio made a game-changing play late in the second quarter while stuck in an unfavorable matchup with shifty Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson. With the Wolverines going for it on fourth-and-3 from the Huskies' 44-yard line, Ulofoshio deflected a pass intended for the star pass catcher.

A completion would have extended Michigan's drive, allowing the Wolverines to run more clock and march further toward another score while leading 17-3. Instead, the Huskies took over in good field position and drove 11 plays for a touchdown to draw closer at 17-10. That was an incredibly athletic play by Ulofoshio. Without it, the halftime score could have been 20-3 or 24-3 in favor of Michigan.

Instead, Washington enters halftime with the momentum after it was dominated for the first quarter and a half. The Huskies still must prove they can slow the Wolverines' rushing attack after Michigan rushed for 209 yards in the first half, but things have gotten interesting at NRG Stadium.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is 13 of 21 for 128 yards with a touchdown, while Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy has 81 yards on 5-of-11 passing. Donovan Edwards has been the Wolverines' star to this point with a season-high 93 yards and two touchdowns on just three touches. Not to be outdone, RB Blake Corum has 84 yards on eight carries. Michigan holds a 290-160 yardage edge, but Washington outgained the favorites 86-61 in the second quarter.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 9:13 pm ET · David Cobb]

Huskies get back in game with fourth-down TD

Q2: Michigan 17, Washington 10

Washington capitalized on a huge fourth-down stand from its defense by driving 61 yards on 11 plays to cut its deficit in half. Michael Penix Jr. hit Jalen McMillan for a touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the 3 as Penix moved off the safety with his eyes and hand for the all-too-important score. That was a big risk from coach Kalen DeBoer, and it paid off.

The Huskies also did a great job of bleeding some clock on the series to leave Michigan with just 42 seconds before halftime. Washington gets the ball to start the third quarter, and it has completely flipped the momentum after being dominated for much of the first half.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 8:58 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Washington CB Jabbar Muhammad injured

Muhammad blitzed and ended up making a great tackle on Michigan running back Blake Corum, but he immediately grabbed his right arm/shoulder after contact. Muhammad, the team's best cover corner, was shaken up late in the Sugar Bowl after landing on his shoulder but returned to the game. He's now checked by trainers on the sideline. With all the problems the Huskies are having stopping the run, they can ill afford to lose their best cornerback.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 8:43 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Second huge misfire by Michael Penix Jr.

Washington is already feeling the heat. Coach Kalen DeBoer decided to go for it on fourth-and-7 at the Michigan 47 trailing by 14 early in the second quarter. Rome Odunze broke free from man coverage running wide open down the field, but Michael Penix Jr.'s throw was completely off target -- behind Odunze and a bit over him, too. It's a turnover on downs with Michigan getting the ball at midfield with a chance to go up three scores.

Penix similarly missed a throw high on the Huskies' lone red-zone drive of the game to this point. That's two touchdowns that could have been on the board if Penix had been playing as well as he normally does.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 8:37 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Michigan forced to settle for a field goal

Q2: Michigan 17, Washington 3

The Wolverines tacked on a field goal to increase their lead to 14, but the play calling was confusing at the end of the drive. Michigan threw on third-and-4 inside the 15-yard line, and J.J. McCarthy's pass was broken up. I have no idea why Michigan threw the ball at all. Washington has done nothing to stop the run all night. In that situation, I'd have handed off on third down, and if that failed, simply handed off again on fourth down.

The field goal and two-touchdown lead is nice, but crossing the end zone again may have ended the game at the start of the second quarter. Instead, the Huskies are still hanging around early.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 8:29 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

End Q1: Michigan 14, Washington 3

This may not be competitive much longer, if one could even consider it competitive to this point. Michigan's run game simply cannot be stopped. Donovan Edwards broke off touchdown runs of 41 and 46 yards in the first quarter with Black Corum picking up 59 yards on a simple carry off the left tackle to end the period.

As a team, Michigan has rushed for 174 yards on nine carries, an average of 19.3 yards per touch. The Wolverines have 229 yards as a team and are on pace for 916 in the game.

Meanwhile, Washington was forced to settle for a field goal on its opening drive and had to punt on its second possession. The Huskies badly need a stop to keep this game from getting out of hand.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 8:22 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Donovan Edwards did it again

Q1: Michigan 14, Washington 3

Donovan Edwards capped off Michigan's first possession with a 41-yard touchdown run, and he finishes the second with a 46-yard touchdown scamper. The key to this game was going to be how well Washington could hold up against the Michigan rushing attack, and the early returns are not promising.

Michigan shifted to get Washington out of its fits, and it was one cut and go for Edwards. Perhaps more problematic is Michigan hit a big play in the pass game before the run. JJ McCarthy found Roman Wilson for a 37-yard completion earlier in the drive.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 8:15 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Washington gets on the board

Q1: Michigan 7, Washington 3

In Washington's two games against Pac-12 rival Oregon, it scored touchdowns on its opening possession. In the Sugar Bowl against Texas last week, Washington scored a touchdown on its opening possession. Tonight, in Houston, with the national title on the line, Washington settles for a field goal on its opening possession. It was a good drive for the Huskies, but Penix's pass to Rome Odunze on third-and-goal is overthrown through the back of the end zone.

Michigan played off Washington's receivers for most of the drive and seems willing to give up the underneath stuff and play red zone roulette. Most everything Washington got was on screen passes and handoffs to receivers on sweeps. A lot of horizontal, which isn't out of the ordinary for Washington. What remains to be seen is if the vertical they kill teams with will be available at any point.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 8:01 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Dillon Johnson exits briefly

Washington star running back Dillon Johnson exited the game briefly in the first quarter. After getting his ankle rolled on, Johnson went to the sideline and was attended to by trainers in the injury tent. He quickly reentered the game, but it's a situation to keep an eye on going forward as Johnson has been a key piece of this Huskies offense all season. 

[Jan 8, 2024 at 7:56 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Running game winning early

Michigan opened the game with six straight positive plays, four of them as runs. The Huskies called runs on four plays, gaining 29 yards and letting quarterback J.J. McCarthy complete a pair of passes in traffic to move down the field at will. The Huskies have been one of the worst teams in the nation down-to-down against the run but have historically made enough havoc plays to split the difference. Michigan is perhaps the most comfortable team in America staying on schedule. 

[Jan 8, 2024 at 7:54 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Dream start for Michigan

Q1: No. 1 Michigan 7, No. 2 Washington 0

The Wolverines came out executing their likely game plan: running the dang ball. Washington gave them no reason to stop, either, as they kept they moved the chains consistently on the opening drive of the game. Following a sack off play-action on first down, Donovan Edwards broke free through the left side of the line and took off for a 41-yard touchdown.

That was an eight-play, 84-yard touchdown drive that took 4:42 off the clock and gave the Wolverines a 7-0 lead.

[Jan 8, 2024 at 7:45 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

Washington wins the toss, defers

Michigan will receive to start the College Football Playoff National Championship. The final game of the 2023 college football season is about to begin. Let's freaking go! 

[Jan 8, 2024 at 7:40 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Prediction: Michigan 31, Washington 24

The best way to defend Penix is to keep him on the sideline, and that's exactly what I think Michigan can do with a plodding-but-productive ground game. Washington may still score on a majority of its offensive possessions, as the Huskies did against Texas in their semifinal win, but I think there will be less possessions while Michigan's defense is a step up in competition. There's a real "Last Dance" feel around this Michigan team that could (and maybe will) have more than a dozen players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Their response at the end of the Rose Bowl suggests the fabric of the 2023 Wolverines is truly championship caliber. Pick: Michigan -4.5, Under 56.5

[Jan 8, 2024 at 7:38 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Johnson announced as starter

Washington running back Dillon Johnson wore a brace on his right knee, but participated fully in warmups and was announced as a starter on the video board. Johnson suffered a lower body injury during the Huskies' win over No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl, an injury that stopped the clock and gave Texas one more shot at the end zone. Washington coach Kalen DeBoer told reporters that Johnson would play.